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City Manager Salary in Oakland, CA

How much does a city manager make in Oakland? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Oakland's cost of living.

Median Salary
$303,801
per year in Oakland
Entry Level
$179,387
Starting salary
Senior Level
$419,534
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
154
54% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how city manager salaries break down across different pay periods in Oakland.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$179,387$303,801$419,534
Monthly$14,949$25,317$34,961
Biweekly$6,900$11,685$16,136
Weekly$3,450$5,842$8,068
Hourly$86$146$202

Oakland vs National Average

How Oakland's city manager salaries compare to national figures.

Oakland Salary
$303,801
COL Index: 154
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$149,681
Higher in Oakland

Cost of Living in Oakland

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,150
per month
Median Income
$67,234
per year
Population
433,656
residents
Rent % of Income
38.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 154 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Oakland have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About City Manager

Overview

Oversee city government operations and administration.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or related field

Key Skills

Public AdministrationBudget ManagementLeadershipStrategic Planning

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: City Manager Salary

See City Manager salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$360,256
+19%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
-24%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-40%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-52%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-46%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a city manager salary in Oakland.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Oakland.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Oakland.

City Manager Salary in Oakland, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Oakland, CA is $303,801 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 154. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Oakland's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Oakland can expect to earn around $179,387 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $419,534 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Oakland's cost of living index of 154 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Oakland are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $154,120, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a city manager's salary in Oakland typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,150 per month, housing represents about 8.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

City Managers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Oakland, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.